Description

A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon — the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries may involve partial or complete tears in these tissues.

Sometimes called pulled muscles, strains commonly occur in the lower part of the back and in the muscles at the back of the thigh (hamstrings).

The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that connects a bone to a muscle, whilst a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together.

The initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. Serious tensions sometimes require surgical repair.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Redness or bruising
  • Limited movement
  • Muscle spasms
  • Swelling
  • Muscle weakness

When to see the doctor

Mild strains can be treated at home. Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen despite treatment, especially if the pain becomes unbearable, or experience numbness or a tingling sensation.

Causes

Acute strains can be caused by an event, such as the use of poor body mechanics to lift something heavy. Chronic muscle tension can be the result of repeated injury when the tension of a muscle by doing the same motion over and over again.

Risk factors

Participate in contact sports, such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing and wrestling, may increase your risk of muscle strains.

Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to the strains during the participation in certain sports. Examples include:

  • The legs and ankles. Sports that feature quick starts and jump, as hurdling and basketball, it can be particularly difficult in the Achilles tendon in his ankle.
  • Hands. The grip of the sports, such as gymnastics or golf, you can increase your risk of muscle strains in their hands.
  • Elbows. Elbow strains are often caused by the release of the sports and racket sports.

Prevention

Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of a physical fitness program-general, can help to minimize the risk of muscle strains. Try to be in shape to play your sport, don't play your sport to get in shape. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries.

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.

In the most serious injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely broken, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of the lesion. Ultrasound can often help to distinguish between the different types of soft tissue injuries.

Treatment

Immediately the self-care of a muscle strain, try the R. I. C. E. approach of rest, ice, compression, elevation:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don't avoid all physical activity.
  • Of ice. Even if you are in search of medical aid, ice the area immediately. Use an ice pack or sleet in a bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time, and repeat every two to three hours while you are awake, during the first days after the injury.
  • Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Do not place very well or you may hinder circulation. Begin wrapping at the end furthest away from your heart. Loosen the bandage if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling occur below the wrapped area.
  • Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help to reduce the swelling.

Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may be helpful to relieve the pain during this period of time.

A physical therapist can help to maximize the stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. For some injuries, such as a tear in the tendon, surgery may be considered.

Preparing for your appointment

While you may initially consult your doctor, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You can write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of its symptoms
  • The information about the medical problems that you have had
  • Information about the health problems of your parents or siblings
  • All of the medications and supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

  • How exactly were in motion when the injury occurred?
  • Do you hear or feel a pop or snap?
  • When did it happen?
  • What types of home treatments that you have tried?
  • Have you ever injured this part of your body before?
  • If so, how is it possible that the injury occur?
Symptoms and treatment of Muscle strain